Knuckle Junkies – Shamrock FC Aftershock Preview

When Shamrock FC expanded its reach to Kansas City, local fans embraced it immediately. Since then they’ve consistently ran well-attended shows at the Ameristar Casino, focusing on high-quality production and exciting matchups.

When SFC returns on May 28 for “Aftershock” it is bringing a quake-inducing, heavyweight title match featuring current champ Bobby Brents.

The “Zombie” makes no bones about it. He comes out swinging, making him popular with the fans, and a serious threat for anyone that stands across from him. The heavy-handed Brents, out of Springfield, IL, overwhelms foes with hard punches and a smothering pressure that puts his opponents on the back step from the get go. If Kansas’ Shane Grant (4-1) is going to get his arm raised he’ll need to survive the initial onslaught and take this fight into deep waters.

This will be Brents first title defense since winning the Shamrock FC title last December. If he can defend his title he’ll secure a guaranteed Bellator MMA contract.

The always exciting Dustin Kramer (3-1) will face Dillon Tolbert (2-2), who’s fresh from his first round KO victory over Codi Peppard in March. Tolbert, out of Howard’s ATA in Jefferson City, came out of the gate quick in his fight with Peppard and never let up. Kramer submitted Issac Badger after unleashing some vicious ground and pound in their fight from January.

Topkea’s Matt Foster will face the 2015 St. Louis Amateur Fighter of the Year, Julius Anglickas. Anglickas is a true light heavyweight, who combines KO power with exceptional wrestling and improving jiu-jitsu. Foster will need to keep his hands up because Anglickas has turn-out-your-lights power as evident by his 37 second KO of Eric Crittendorn from January in Anglickas’ pro debut.

Rounding out the main card will be a featherweight match-up between Thomas Thatcher, who is making his pro debut against Chris Reed. Reed is coming off a big win over Greg Owens in the main event of November’s Rumble Time in Springfield, MO.

On the undercard, keep an eye out on Lucas Clay, one of the best young amateurs St. Louis has to offer. Clay has been tightening up his striking game as of late to match-up with an incredible ground offense. Clay will face “Capt America” Devin Webber out of the GMT gym in Wichita in an ammy lightweight battle.

Also of note is a heavyweight match-up between Anthony Garrett and JW Kiser. Garrett has chalked up several submissions and will look to make Kiser tap.